No competition for Lysacek before nationals

Philip Hersh, Tribune reporter

Evan Lysacek’s return to competition will not come before January's U.S. Championships, and his appearance there presumes enough of a recovery from a groin injury sustained 2 1/2 months ago to skate full programs.

After withdrawing from Skate America in late October because of the injury, the reigning Olympic champion said he hoped to do one international competition before nationals both to get world ranking points and the necessary qualifying score for events like the World Championships and Four Continents Championship.

The competition under consideration was Golden Spin of Zagreb Dec. 13-16, but Lysacek’s agent, Shep Goldberg, said in a text message Friday the skater would not be going there.